Chapel

We are delighted to welcome our new Chaplain, Bethany Hobbs, to our school community. 

Beth will oversee the spiritual provision for children and students throughout the School, irrespective of faith, as well as play a key role in School life such as lead our Chapel services throughout the week, provide a Christian presence within the School and lead and preach at our weekly Sunday Evensong Service. 

Beth is very excited to start her new role at Birkenhead School and strongly believes in the significance of a faith-based education which she attributes to her own upbringing. Beth is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone at Birkenhead School and wants the Chapel to be somewhere everyone comes together and feels welcome. She has a deep commitment to the spiritual and emotional well-being of our community. 

Beth is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where every member of our School community can thrive. She believes in the importance of a holistic education, which encompasses not just academic excellence, but also spiritual growth and emotional well-being. 

“I am honoured to be a part of the Birkenhead School family,” says Beth. “I look forward to walking alongside our students, staff, and families, offering support and encouragement as we journey together in faith and learning.” 

Beth is available to meet with students, staff, and parents whether they need someone to talk to, spiritual guidance, or support Tuesday to Thursday, 8:30 AM – 2.30 PM 

• Location: School Chapel 

• Email: bah@birkenheadschool.co.uk 

• Phone: 0151 652 4014 

As well as our celebration and worship during the School day, we hold weekly Evensong services on Sunday evenings during term time, and a termly Eucharist service where our renowned choir from Year 5 upwards, lead an act of worship on the behalf of our School community. Here we pray for the work of our teachers, for our students and our world. We also enjoy the company of many of our local clergy who come to support and offer their ministry here.  In addition, we also offer bespoke services of Baptism, Confirmation and Weddings for alumni, staff and students.

CHAPEL SERVICES

Evensong services are part of the rich tradition of the Church of England, dating back over 500 years. A service largely sung by our excellent Chapel Choir; this gives the congregation the opportunity to listen to some beautifully-sung choral music and to relax at the eve of the day, therefore setting any cares aside. Members of the congregation can pray to God and reflect what their needs are at the time. The services are led by the School Chaplain, sung by the Chapel Choir and there is a visiting preacher from the local area.

We start the School year with a short early morning service of Holy Communion for all the School community to attend. During the academic year there will be one Eucharistic service per term on a Sunday evening.  All members of the School community and the public can attend.

As a School, Christmas is an enjoyable time.  Each year group in Prep comes to Chapel to celebrate with their families at this time.  We offer a candlelit service of Nine Lessons and Carols, which is so popular – we have two. The pinnacle of Christmas is the Midnight Mass (Midnight Watch Service/ First Holy Communion of Christmas), all by candle light where we welcome the birth of the baby Jesus.

Easter Celebrations

At this time, the School celebrates Ash Wednesday with a service offered to the whole School Community, which includes the imposition of ashes, for those who wish.

Each term ends with a Church service for staff and students at our parish Church, St Saviours, Oxton. This is led by the School Chaplain, sung by the Chapel Choir and there is a visiting preacher. This is a formal service of hymns, bible readings, prayers and a sermon.

Confirmation Services

Once a year, candidates for confirmation are presented to one of the Chester Diocesan Bishops for confirmation of faith within the Church of England. This annual service sees the candidates prepared for this Rite of Passage by the School Chaplain.

As a School Chapel, with permission from Chester Diocese, we are able to offer members of our School community a bespoke baptism service, tailored to a family’s needs.  Generally once a term, these services are a special time to welcome those who are baptised into the fellowship of the Church community. These services are by arrangement with the School Chaplain.

Bespoke Weddings

By arrangement with the School Chaplain, it is possible to conduct weddings at the Chapel, of people who have a strong connection to the School.